Spin Jig & Tail Spinner Molds

A Spin Jig is a compact metal spinning lure that combines a weighted body with a rotating blade. Similar designs are also known as tail spinners or spin tail jigs. Their relatively high weight in relation to body size allows longer casts and quicker access to the required depth, while the rotating blade produces flashes and vibrations in the water.

A Spin Jig mold determines the shape and weight of the metal body, not the complete construction of the finished lure. The final lure is assembled by combining the casting with suitable metal attachment eyes, a spinner blade, swivel, split rings and hooks. Each component must match the specific mold and allow the rotating section to move freely.

One of the advantages of making your own lures is the ability to match the finished Spin Jig to the required weight, depth and presentation. The same basic design can be finished in different colours, equipped with a different blade or fitted with a suitable hook arrangement. However, every change may affect balance, drag and the actual behaviour of the lure in the water.

Choose Spin Jig weight according to depth, current, casting distance and the required rate of fall. Lighter models are suitable for more delicate presentations and smaller lures, while a heavier body makes it easier to reach distant fishing spots or deeper areas. Additional weight also changes sinking speed and resistance during retrieval.

With rotating-blade lures, the blade's ability to start spinning and maintain smooth rotation is particularly important. Rotation speed and stability depend on blade shape, blade size, swivel construction, water flow and the balance of the complete lure. You should therefore never assume that every blade will perform equally well with every Spin Jig weight.

The rotating blade creates a combination of flashes and pressure changes in the water. During retrieval, it can make a small metal lure more visually noticeable, which is one reason these designs are popular for perch, asp and other active predators. Actual effectiveness depends on fishing conditions and presentation, not simply on the number of flashes produced.

A Spin Jig can be fished with a steady retrieve, changing retrieval speeds or controlled lifting and falling movements. During slower presentations, always check whether the blade is actually rotating. If the blade stops spinning, it may be necessary to adjust retrieval speed, blade size or the complete rigging arrangement.

When fishing deeper water, you can allow the lure to sink to the required depth after casting and then retrieve it steadily or in shorter stages. If you also want to use the sinking phase as part of the presentation, first check how the specific lure behaves during the fall. Some body-and-blade combinations may rotate while sinking, while others require more active water flow.

Before choosing a mold, check the number of cavities, available weights and dimensions of the required metal inserts. F147 Mini, for example, produces five lighter weights of 3.5, 4, 5, 6 and 7 g. F229 covers 8–14 g, F151 continues with 16, 20, 24 and 30 g, while F15 produces heavier bodies weighing 40, 50 and 60 g.

Different molds do not necessarily use the same attachment-eye or stainless steel loop sizes. Smaller bodies provide less space for metal inserts, while larger molds may require different dimensions or stronger components. Always use the size specified for the exact product rather than automatically transferring a component from another Spin Jig mold.

SAF lists 3 mm adhesive eyes for molds F147 and F229, while F151 and F15 use 5 mm eyes. These dimensions refer to the visual finishing of the lure body. The diameter of an adhesive eye does not establish compatibility with split rings, rotating blades or stainless steel loops.

A correctly selected stainless steel loop or other specified metal attachment is an important structural part of the casting. It must be securely anchored and allow other components to be connected. Before pouring lead, always check that the insert sits correctly in its prepared groove and that both mold halves close completely.

The rotating section uses a Spin Blade and a suitable swivel, together with any other connecting components required by the specific design. The swivel must allow the blade to rotate freely without binding, and its load rating must match the intended use. A blade that is too small or incorrectly positioned may not produce the expected effect, while an unnecessarily large blade may alter the action of the complete lure.

During assembly, check the distance between the rotating blade, lure body and hook. The blade must be able to move without catching on surrounding components. Choose split-ring size and orientation according to the actual dimensions of the finished casting and the required movement of each component.

Select the hook arrangement according to casting weight, body size and target species. A suitably sized single or treble hook must have sufficient clearance and must not interfere with blade rotation. An excessively large hook can change the proportions of a small lure, while a hook that is too small may not match the body size or expected loading of the rig.

SAF also offers suitable treble hooks, stainless steel split rings and swivels. However, when assembling a complete lure, choose each component according to the actual construction of the mold and the load it must safely withstand. The presence of an accessory in the Spin Jig category does not mean that it is universally compatible with all four molds.

After casting, the metal body can be finished with suitable powder paint or rubberised coating, depending on the mold and casting material. Choose the coating according to the desired appearance and the manufacturer's technical recommendations. The casting must be clean and properly prepared before applying the selected coating system.

If you want to use adhesive 3D eyes, apply them only to a cooled and dry surface. Coloured or Glow versions may change the visual appearance of the finished lure, but they do not automatically improve blade rotation or change the mechanical action of the Spin Jig.

After coating, check every metal attachment point. Paint must not block the eyes or restrict the movement of split rings or swivels. Only then attach the blade and hook. We recommend testing the finished lure in water at several retrieval speeds before fishing.

When working with lead or another compatible low-melting metal, wear safety glasses, heat-resistant gloves, long clothing and closed footwear. Work on a stable, heat-resistant surface with effective ventilation. The mold and all inserted metal components must be clean and completely dry before casting.

Never pour molten metal into a wet mold. Keep water, drinks and damp tools away from the casting area. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working, and keep lead-casting equipment separate from household and kitchen utensils. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the mold, metal and melting equipment.

If you want to produce very small lures for finesse fishing, start with F147 Mini. For medium weights, compare F229 and F151, while F15 provides heavier castings for deeper water and stronger presentations. However, choosing the correct mold is only the first part of producing a successful lure. Suitable blade, swivel and hook rigging is equally important.

Frequently asked questions – Spin Jig lure making

What is a Spin Jig?

A Spin Jig is a compact metal spinning lure combining a weighted body with a rotating blade. Similar designs are also known as tail spinners or spin tail jigs.

How does the Spin Jig blade work?

Water flow causes the blade to rotate, producing flashes and vibrations. Actual rotation depends on blade shape, size, swivel construction and retrieval speed.

Which Spin Jig mold should I choose for finesse fishing?

For smaller lures, F147 Mini with casting weights of 3.5–7 g is a suitable option. Always match the selection to the required weight and finished lure size.

Which weights do the individual Spin Jig molds produce?

F147 Mini covers 3.5–7 g, F229 8–14 g, F151 16–30 g and F15 40–60 g. The exact individual casting weights are listed for each mold.

Can I use the same spinner blade on every Spin Jig?

Not automatically. The blade must match the lure body, attachment method and intended retrieval speed. Always verify that it rotates freely.

What is the purpose of the swivel on a Spin Jig?

The swivel allows the spinner blade to rotate freely and helps reduce the transfer of that rotation to the rest of the rig. It must have suitable dimensions and load capacity.

What is the difference between a Spin Jig and a conventional jig head?

A conventional jig head is primarily used for rigging a soft plastic lure and usually contains an integrated hook. A Spin Jig is a separate metal lure assembled with a rotating blade, connecting components and hooks.

Which adhesive 3D eyes should I use for Spin Jig molds?

F147 and F229 specify 3 mm eyes, while F151 and F15 use 5 mm eyes. Always follow the dimensions listed for the exact mold.

Are spinner blades, swivels and hooks included with the mold?

Not automatically. Check the package contents of the individual product. Additional components normally need to be selected according to the intended rigging of the finished lure.

Can Spin Jigs also be used in deeper water?

Yes. A heavier body can reach greater depths more quickly, but the actual behaviour also depends on blade resistance, current and retrieval speed.

Why does the spinner blade sometimes stop rotating?

Possible causes include excessively slow retrieval, unsuitable blade size, a binding swivel or contact with another part of the lure. Check the complete assembly and test several retrieval speeds.

How can I cast Spin Jig lures safely?

Wear safety glasses, suitable gloves and work with effective ventilation. The mold and all metal components must be completely dry. Check their position before casting and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.

→ For other casting designs, explore our jig head molds.

→ Assemble Spin Jigs according to weight, blade size and compatible connecting and hook components.